The main difference between Wegovy and Ozempich is that Ozempich is approved for people with Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for people with obesity or those who are overweight and have health problems related to excess weight. Wegovy and Ozempic are both medications that contain semaglutide. They are marketed under different brand names by Novo Nordisk, with Wegovy being a higher-dose version of Ozempic.
While they are the same drug, they have slightly different dosing schedules and indications. The specific conditions that Ozempic and Wegovy are used to treat, as well as the dosage forms and strengths of each semaglutide-containing product, are outlined in the table below.
Overview and Key Difference between Wegovy and Ozempic
Wegovy and Ozempic are both medications used in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, respectively. While they both have potential weight-loss effects, they have different mechanisms of action and are approved for different conditions.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy (generic name: semaglutide) is a medication that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults who have obesity or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes). It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it works by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, leading to reduced appetite and increased feelings of fullness.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (generic name: semaglutide) is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, but it is primarily used for the management of type 2 diabetes. It was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the improvement of glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise. Ozempic helps to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, reducing glucagon production, and slowing down gastric emptying.
Side-by-Side Comparison – Difference Between Wegovy and Ozempich
Key Factors | Wegovy | Ozempic |
Approved Use | Chronic weight management in Obesity and overweight adults | Management of type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise |
Generic Name | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
Mechanism of Action | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
Target Population | Adults with obesity or overweight and weight-related comorbidities | Adults with type 2 diabetes |
FDA Approval Year | 2021 | 2017 |
Conclusion
In summary, Wegovy and Ozempic are both medications that belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, while Ozempic is approved for the management of type 2 diabetes. Although they share similarities in their mechanism of action, they have different approved uses and target populations. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate medication for individual circumstances and conditions.